Dell Technologies opens competition for students in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey

Dell Technologies has opened entries for its annual Envision the Future competition, inviting undergraduate students from the Middle East, Africa and Turkey to showcase their thesis projects.

The competition encourages students to explore innovative IT transformation solutions and gives them the opportunity to win cash prizes, mentorship and certifications from Dell.

According to Dell’s announcement, the competition is aimed at undergraduate students working on projects in areas such as financial technology, sustainability, education, health and wellness.

Dell states that “This competition is designed to spark the creativity of students for their thesis projects so that they play an active role in IT transformation and have the opportunity to shine and win prizes.”

Competition structure and awards

As part of the Envision the Future competition, the top three teams will receive cash prizes that will split a total of $12,000. First place will receive $5,000, second place will receive $4,000, and third place will receive $3,000.

In addition, all top 10 teams will receive certificates of recognition, and finalists will be offered mentorship opportunities from Dell experts. The winners will be recognized at a formal awards ceremony at a major Dell Technologies event, attended by Dell representatives and university representatives.

Qualification requirements

To be eligible to participate in the competition, applicants must:

Participants must be undergraduate students studying full-time at a university in the Middle East, Africa or Turkey. They should not hold government positions and they need a teacher as a leader.
Verification: Information provided by students must be verified by the department chair. Each student can participate in only one project.
Communication: Dell Technologies will communicate with each project team through the project manager and designated team leader.
Team composition: Teams should consist of 3-6 members, with one of them serving as the team leader and responsible for team management, communication and project progress.
Originality and Ethics: The competition emphasizes original ideas. Plagiarism or copying of substantial material from other sources may result in disqualification. Any referenced material must be properly cited and should not exceed 20% of the content of the report.

Responsibilities of the group leader

Serve as the primary point of contact between the team and Dell Technologies during the competition.
Act as a project manager, coordinating schedules, team meetings, and resolving conflicts.
Ensure all team communications are documented and project deliverables meet deadlines and requirements.
Maintain team spirit, provide motivation and maintain ethical standards.
Monitor the use of WebEx during competition sessions and ensure compliance with all project goals and rules.

Originality of ideas is critical in this competition, and ethical guidelines prohibit plagiarism or passing off someone else’s work as your own, Dell said.

Stages of the competition

The competition is divided into three stages:

1. Submission of project abstracts: Students submit their project abstracts between November 1 and November 30, 2024. The shortlist of projects will be announced on January 25, 2025.

2. Presentation of the preliminary layout of the project: Shortlisted teams will submit a detailed design mockup by March 10, 2025. The top 20 finalists will be selected on March 30, 2025 and will receive technical guidance from Dell experts.

3. Final project submission: Finalists will submit their completed projects by August 5, 2025. Winners will be announced on September 1, 2025.

This step-by-step approach allows students to refine their work through feedback and guidance, increasing the quality and applicability of their projects.

How to apply

Students interested in participating may submit their applications by following the application form provided. connection

Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2024.